DIY

I found this Vintage nightstand at a thrift store in California for $5!! I didn't like the yellow paint color, but I knew that this piece had potential and I couldnt beat the price!  A new paint job was all it took to brighten it up and to give it new life.  A simple and very inexpensive way to add a beautiful new piece of furniture to your home!






Before

After

Helpful Hints:

• When buying furniture the most important thing to look for is the quality of construction of the piece.  Some furniture is so poorly made that it won't last for more than a few years.  The great thing about buying furniture at a thrift store is that older pieces are usually made of solid wood where as newer pieces of furniture are often made of particle board and other less durable materials.  Buying a new piece of hardwood furniture at a store today will cost you BIG bucks, but buying a hardwood piece at a thrift store can be very cost effective!
• One good way you can tell if a piece of furniture is well made is if it is made with "dove tail" corners.  This provides a much stronger seam where the wood is connected.  Find an example of what it looks like below.
• Whenever you are painting an older piece of furniture it is important to wear protective gear, like gloves and a mask, while sanding the old paint off because old paint can often contain harmful lead.

Dove Tail Drawer

Happy shopping and renovating!

-Forever Lovely

*All photos by Forever Lovely

When Hubby and I got married, one of my neighbors so generously gave us a beautiful antique chest of drawers.  I loved the feminine details and vintage drawer pulls, but the dark wood color was not going to blend with our other white wood bedroom furniture.  So, after a coat of white paint, this beautiful vintage piece has new life and looks perfect in our bedroom!

Before (Don't mind Joey)

After



Happy Renovating and Happy Weekend!

- Forever Lovely

*All photos by Forever Lovely

 

Have you ever noticed that when a candle burns out there is still a good amount of wax left over in the bottom of the container?  Well this happened to me the other day when my very favorite candle flickered its last flame.  I decided to make a new one out of the left over wax and a left over mini jelly jar from our wedding favors.  Here is how it turned out:

Directions:

1.  If you are going to use the microwave to heat the wax (I did) make sure to take out the old burned out wick because it has a metal base.  And don't forget to clean out your microwave after you are done!
2.  Heat the wax in the microwave in 15 second intervals until it is melted.  BE CAREFUL it will be very hot.  You can also melt the wax by setting the base of the candle in very hot water until it melts.
3.  Get your new container clean and ready and add the new wick.  I bought mine from Michaels.  You can stick the wick to the bottom of the container by dipping the base in a little melted wax and holding it to the glass until it sticks.
4.  Pour your melted wax into your new container and make sure the wick stays upright.
5.  Wait about an hour for your new candle to dry.
6.  Then decorate!  I used some cardstock, these adorable free printable apothecary labels, a stamp, silver ink, mod podge and a ribbon to decorate mine.
7.  Enjoy! :)